Spain Secures Perfect Record, Albania Exits Euro 2024

Spain maintained their perfect record at Euro 2024 by defeating and eliminating Albania, a result that also secured last-16 places for England, France and the Netherlands. Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, now at Barcelona, scored for Spain in the 13th minute from Dani Olmo’s pass. Albania’s Kristjan Asllani tested Spain goalkeeper David Raya, who made a fine save on Asllani’s powerful 25-yard strike. Raya, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal from Brentford, also did well to keep out a shot from Fulham striker Armando Broja.

Despite their efforts, Albania couldn’t find an equalizer and finished at the bottom of Group B. Spain, already topping the group with wins over Croatia and Italy, fielded a heavily altered lineup with 10 changes. He later ensured all outfield players in their 26-man squad featured during the group stage. Spain, who had won all eight previous encounters with Albania, created numerous chances from the outset in Düsseldorf. Veteran right-back Jesus Navas delivered a fine cross and Mikel Merino had an effort saved.

Joselu, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid, also went close before Torres scored. Despite several opportunities to extend their lead, Olmo, Torres, Merino and Joselu missed chances. Albania needed a win to progress but ended up last in the group following their loss and Italy’s 1-1 draw with Croatia. England from Group C and France and the Netherlands from Group D secured last-16 spots with four points each. These teams will at worst be among the four best third-placed finishers, which is sufficient to advance.

Only Spain and Portugal have won all their matches at Euro 2024, with Portugal playing their third group match against Georgia on Wednesday. Spain will play their last-16 match on Sunday in Cologne (20:00 BST), facing a third-placed finisher from Group A, D, E, or F. Albania’s Euro adventure has ended. This was their second European Championship appearance, eight years after failing to advance past the group stage. Drawn into a tough group with Spain, Italy and Croatia, they impressed with determined performances.

Albania scored the fastest goal in Euros history against Italy, leading after 23 seconds but losing 2-1. They drew 2-2 with Croatia, equalizing in stoppage time. Against Spain, substitute Broja caused problems but Asllani’s shot went wide and Broja missed an injury-time chance, ending their tournament.